Voodoo Doll From the Haitian Revolution | |
---|---|
Origin |
Haitian Revolution, Vodou Ceremony of August 1791 |
Type |
Doll made of sackcloth stuffed with sawdust, studded with pins |
Effects |
Can control the movements of a person, living or dead |
Downsides |
The user will crave control over others |
Activation |
Holding the doll and experiencing feelings of hopelessness yet determination, can only be used by a person of Haitian descent |
Collected by |
Warehouse 12 |
Section |
|
Aisle |
Romero-637B |
Shelf |
394022-4829-384 |
Date of Collection |
February 11th, 1901 |
[Source] |
Origin[]
Vodou, more often spelled as voodoo in the west, is an amalgamation of African religion and Catholicism formed in the Caribbean islands, especially Haiti, during the American slave trade. Slaves taken from western Africa were forbidden from practicing their native religions and were forcibly converted to Catholicism by their captors. Vodou was formed from a mix of African diasporic religious tradition and Christian Catholic archetypes. Within the religion it is believed that there is one God that is represented throughout the world in the form of 401 spirits, both good and evil. A vodou priest or priestess may invoke a certain spirit for a desired effect, often entailing possession of an object or subject by the spirit.
The Haitian Revolution began with the Bwa Kayiman, a famous vodou ceremony where a priestess was possessed by Ezili Dantor, the Vodou spirit of motherhood among other things. Those involved in the ceremony pledged to fight for freedom. Haiti achieved it's independence from French colonial rule in 1804.
Effects[]
While the doll is being held by a person of Haitian descent they may control the actions of another, living or dead. The possibility of controlling a corpse re-animated by an artifact has placed the doll in the living dead section. The user can control people from a distance and does not need to make contact with the intended target. While under the thrall of the doll the target will be unaware that they are not in control of themselves. Repeated usage will give the user a greater desire to control others. The doll may influence several people at one time. The limit has not been established yet.
Collection[]
Collected by Warehouse 12 agents after a British parliament member, a notable racist, began trying to pass legislation favorable to African Americans. Through further investigation it was found that he gave large raises to his domestic staff. Amongst them was a maid whose roots were traced back to Haiti. The doll was retrieved and the politician regretful returned to normal. The maid was given some hush-money from the Warehouse and found better paying employment outside of London.